CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP
Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Community: https://stsplus.com
The STR Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com
My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNFX7X6
Smoky Mountain Revenue Trends for 2026: What AirDNA Shows
The Smoky Mountains have been a top-performing short term rental market for more than a decade, and the newest AirDNA revenue ranges, booking window patterns, and RevPAR data confirm that 2026 is shaping up to be another strong year for investors.
When you pair this with Redfin sale price trends, you get a market that continues to demonstrate resilience, stability, and profitable seasonality.
Whether you’re new to investing or scaling your portfolio, here is what the data reveals about short term rental income potential in 2026.
Consistent Multi-Season Revenue Performance
One of the strongest advantages of the Smokies is multi-season demand.
According to AirDNA revenue ranges, the market benefits from four major income periods:
1. Summer (High ADR + High Occupancy)
Families drive the bulk of demand, especially for two to four bedroom cabins.
2. Fall (Highest Seasonal ADR Ranges)
Fall foliage is one of the most profitable periods of the entire year, especially for cabins with mountain views.
3. Winter Holidays (Premium Rates)
Christmas through New Year often shows some of the highest RevPAR ranges, driven by family gatherings.
4. Spring Break (Stable Income Across All Sizes)
Spring break continues to deliver reliable occupancy and strong mid-range ADR.
This multi-season structure is a major reason the Smokies outperform many coastal and urban markets.
Revenue Ranges by Cabin Size (AirDNA Data)
While every cabin is unique, cabin-size revenue patterns follow consistent trends:
|
Cabin Size |
Revenue Behavior (Based on Ranges) |
Notes |
|
1 Bedroom |
Strong weekend demand, steady off-season income |
Great for simplicity and low expenses |
|
2 Bedroom |
Excellent revenue-to-price ratio |
One of the best entry points for investors |
|
3 Bedroom |
Consistently high occupancy and solid ADR |
Ideal for families, stable year-round demand |
|
4 Bedroom |
High seasonal peaks and strong holiday rates |
Great for larger groups |
|
5–6 Bedroom |
Premium revenue ranges in peak season |
Higher maintenance and cleaning costs |
Two and three bedroom cabins continue to be the most reliable performers for new investors, while larger cabins appeal to those seeking higher top-line numbers.
AirDNA Forward Booking Behavior for 2026
Forward-looking data shows similar trends to prior years:
- Holiday bookings fill earliest
- Summer bookings fill months in advance
- Fall bookings follow national park traffic patterns
- Winter weekends remain strong for couples and quick getaways
This consistent booking behavior gives investors confidence in pricing and forecasting.
Demand Drivers That Keep Revenue Strong
The Smokies outperform other markets because guests come for many different reasons:
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Dollywood
- Seasonal festivals
- Indoor attractions for off-season weather
- Hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation
- Family gatherings and multi-generational travel
These layers of demand prevent revenue from rising and falling based on just one factor.
How Redfin Sales Data Supports Long-Term Revenue Strength
Revenue is only one part of the investment equation. The other part is property values.
Redfin price ranges across Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville show:
- Long-term appreciation over the last 10+ years
- Stable pricing during rate fluctuations
- Strong demand for renovated and well-located cabins
- Predictable resale opportunities
Stable home values paired with stable rental revenue is what makes the Smokies one of the strongest STR markets in the country.
Internal Resource
For deeper guidance on buying in 2026, read:
https://theshorttermshop.com/buying-a-short-term-rental-in-the-smoky-mountains/
Why The Short Term Shop Has the Most Accurate Revenue Guidance
- More than five thousand investors helped
- Ranked the #1 team worldwide at the largest brokerage in the world three times
- The most experienced short term rental agents in the Smokies
- The most complete STR investor training in the industry
- Real support long after closing — not just at the transaction
- Deep knowledge of pricing, revenue strategy, and forecasting
Investors need more than a cabin. They need a strategy — and no one teaches that strategy better.
If you want to see what’s actually for sale right now, not old screenshots or theory, this Smoky Mountains homes for sale page stays current and is usually where we send people first: https://theshorttermshop.com/smoky-mountains-homes-for-sale/
FAQ
What do Smoky Mountain revenue trends show for 2026?
AirDNA data indicates stable revenue ranges across all cabin sizes, strong fall and holiday performance, and consistent seasonality.
Who is the top short term rental agent in the Smoky Mountains for revenue guidance?
The Short Term Shop. With thousands of successful investors and multiple global #1 rankings, no team has deeper STR knowledge or more accurate data-driven coaching.
CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP
Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Community: https://stsplus.com
The STR Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com
My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNFX7X6
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and not financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a CPA, attorney, and financial professional before investing. Conduct full due diligence before purchasing any property.
